Stafford police officer shot in chest, face

A Stafford police officer was recovering Saturday after being shot twice by a suspect during a traffic stop. Amazingly, the shooting did not stop her from going after the suspects and helping to capture the gunman.

Two other men remain at large. We're learning more about one of them, including his possible involvement with a dangerous gang.

According to the Stafford Police Department, the whole thing started when Officer Ann Carrizales stopped a vehicle around 3:30am in the 12700 block of Murphy Road. Inside were three males.

"She approached and was speaking with the driver when the passenger inside the vehicle shot her once in the chest and once in the face," SPD Lt. Dustin Claborn said.

In spite of her injuries, Carrizales returned fire as the vehicle fled. She then managed to make it back to her patrol car and follow the suspects, chasing them into Houston.

"I think it speaks highly of her character, her fortitude," Claborn said.

The chase ended outside an apartment complex on Greenfork at Concourse near the Northwest Freeway.

The 21-year-old shooter -- identified as Sergio Francisco Rodriguez -- was located and taken into custody by Missouri City police officers, who came to assist with the chase, along with DPS, Sugar Land and Houston officers.

Rodriguez is charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer and was being held without bond Saturday night.

An active warrant for aggravated assault on a peace officer has been issued for the driver, 28-year-old Freddy Henriquez. Police said Henriquez should be considered armed and dangerous. He is also reportedly a Honduras native wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for illegally re-entering the United States as a violent felon.

According to ICE, Henriquez is believed to be a member of a violent gang called Sureno 13 -- a prison gang affiliated with the Mexican Mafia. If you see him or have information on his whereabouts, you're asked to call SPD at 281-261-3950, SPD Detective Henry Garcia at 281-208-6991, or call 911.

Investigators are working to identify the third suspect.

Carrizales was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital and was released Saturday night. According to police, her bullet-proof vest saved her life.

"Her ballistic vest stopped almost all the shot to the chest, some minor injuries there," Claborn said. "Without a doubt, it saved her life. It just illustrates how quickly something can go bad for any officer at any time."

Carrizales has been a member of the Stafford Police Department since August of 2010.